Residents of Dudu village in the Kavango West Region held a demonstration, demanding strict safety measures be put in place to curb gender-based violence.

This comes after the murder of 25-year-old Veronica Mate Kudumo at Sivara village, a neighbouring village of Dudu, in May.

In their petition the villagers are requesting the establishment of sustainable measures and structures to address the root causes of abuse against women and children.

The protesters called for urgent and coordinated action from stakeholders like the traditional authority, churches, police, ministries of Gender, Health, Education and the Kavango West Regional Council.

The community members are also calling for GBV awareness campaigns to be held in their areas.

The petition was handed over to the councillor of the Kapako Constituency, Johannes Karondo.

On the 28th of May, 22-year-old Mathias Kangumu, 29-year-old Sikongo Morosi and 30-year-old Zoka Sikongo were arrested in connection with Kudumo's murder.

The suspects were denied bail, and the matter was postponed to 19 September this year.

Late Kudumo leaves behind four children, including a 9-month-old son, who has been hospitalised in Rundu State Hospital, as he sustained serious injuries during the brutal killing of his mother on the 27th of May.

According to the autopsy results, the victim sustained a broken neck and injuries to her face and head.